Compare Blooming Tulips cruise (Amsterdam - Brussels - Amsterdam), MS Crucebelle by Crucemundo vs Cycling from Amsterdam to Brussels by Exodus Travels
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 1,297 | $ 2,525 |
| Price Per Day | $ 162 | $ 316 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
full-board, early-riser breakfast every morning |
All breakfasts are included. There are plenty of treats to be tried during your trip from the Netherlands to Belgium with local specialities including stroopwafels, cheese, moules & frites, luxury praline chocolates, gaufres and beer. |
| Description |
Blooming Holland & Belguim cruise onboard MS Crucebelle past springtime blossoms and windmills, pausing for memorable excursions with local tour-guides; delicious food in both the countries; and of course, blooming flowers of Keukenhof Gardens. |
Starting in Amsterdam and finishing in Belgium's capital city of Brussels, we recommend adding a few extra nights on to do city breaks in both cities to discover the variety of architecture, historic sites and monuments as well as shopping arcades, parks, gardens, art galleries and museums. Discover why millions visit these two key European cities every year with Amsterdam's famous network of canals (a UNESCO World Heritage site), its infamous red light district and its fabulous squares - Dam, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. Brussels is famous for its food, comic strips, the world-famous Manneken Pis statue as well as the Atomium and the amazing Grand Place. As well as the start and finish cities, this linear route is mostly flat cycling and allows you to discover even more Dutch and Belgian treats - for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Archetypal images of Holland include its windmills and bridges with plenty of windmills in Kinderdijk and bridges in Papendrecht to feast your eyes on as you cycle across Holland's Green Heart. Famous local snacks from Gouda include syrup waffles (or stroopwafels) and cheese. Continuing southwards you'll get to see the Biesbosch National Park, one of Erurope's last remaining freshwater tidal areas, before heading over the border into Belgium where you'll discover the historical cities of Antwerp and Leuven with awe-inspiring architecture and delicious beer and mussels (moules) with Belgian triple-fried chips (frites). For those with a sweet tooth, Belgium's sweet and sugary gaufres (with various toppings) and the luxury pralines and chocolates are well worth trying an assortment.This linear cycling trip takes in the capitals of Holland and Belgium as well as historic cities en route. |
DAY 1/ APRIL 1, 2021
Amsterdam
The arrival day, check-in starts at 16:00. However, if you arrive earlier, you can leave your luggage at the reception to explore the city on your own before the check-in.
Meals: welcome buffet and dinner.
* Transfer Schiphol airport - port is available for extra charge
DAY 2/ APRIL 2, 2021
Amsterdam
This day is completely devoted to your acquaintance with the city of Amsterdam as we stay there for the whole day. With more than 800 years of history, Amsterdam is famous for its cozy houses on the canals, secret courtyards in the very heart of the city, colorful mixture of cultures and nationalities on the streets and of course the feeling of a true liberty. Moreover, it's a home to many of remarkable museums: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank museum, Rembrandt house, Banksy museum of street art and many more.
So, prepare your camera, pick up a map at the reception desk and don't forget an umbrella - Amsterdam is always unpredictable!
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
*Guided walking city-tour of Amsterdam is provided for extra cost (included in the excursion package)
Departure23:00
DAY 3/ APRIL 3, 2021
Rotterdam
Once you wake up and open the curtains, you will be fascinated by the Erasmus just in front of you. Staying the whole day in Rotterdam, take advantage of exploring this city!
Aside from its fascinating port, Rotterdam also features some fantastic modern architecture like the cube buildings, Pencil Tower (Het Potlood) and the Euromast Tower, but also has a wonderful variety of museums, eateries and activities to enjoy.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Arrival06:00
Departure20:00
DAY 4/ APRIL 4, 2021
Ghent
Leaving the Netherlands at night, we are finally in Belgium in the morning - in the city of Ghent.
Those who are very much interested in culture, history and art will take a guided tour and the experinced English-speaking Ghent-lover to reveal all the city's secrets. Those who are fond all calm walkings on their own will enjoy Ghent alone.
Ghent is a perfect blend of industry and medieval architecture which will appease every travellers European city palette.
Belgium and Ghent as well is the country of beer, do not forget to try some!
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Arrival10:00
Departure20:00
DAY 5/ APRIL 5, 2021
Brussels
Day 5 is completely devoted to the capital of Belgium, Brussels. It is a fascinating place with stunning architecture and fascinating history packed into every street and alleyway.
It seems to be very business and bureaucracy focused, it is after all the administerial centre of the EU, but at other times it feels laid back and does not take itself too seriously: think Manneken Pis, The Comic Strip Centre, lots of flea markets.
NB: Don't forget to try true homemade Belgian waffles and Belgian Ale-braised mussels!
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
*Guided bus & walking city-tour of Brussels is provided for extra cost (included in the excursion package)
Arrival09:00
Departure20:00
DAY 6/ APRIL 6, 2021
Antwerp
Early at night the ship arrives in Antwerp, the second city of Belgium and home to the biggest port in the country.
Antwerp has everything a real traveller should wish for in a European city: world class museums and art, magnificient architecture and great food and drinks!
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
*Guided walking city-tour of Brussels is provided for extra cost (included in the excursion package)
Arrival03:00
Departure19:00
DAY 7/ APRIL 7, 2021
Dordrecht & Amsterdam
We are again in the Netherlands to appreciate its indeed low-lying and remarkably flat with large expanses of lakes, rivers, and canals sceneries.
This morning is so calm and gives you cahnce to enjoy the small town of Dordrecht located in the south west of the Netherlands in the South Holland province.
Today the city has a home of fantastic historical buildings such as the Grote Kerk and Munt van Holland, and some magnificent natural landscapes such as the De Beisbosch National park and the Wantijpark.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 8/ APRIL 8, 2021
Amsterdam
Check-out after breakfast
Meals: breakfast
*The transfer port - Schiphol airport can be provided for extra cost.
Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam
Marvel at the townhouses along the 17th century canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You could also opt to saunter down the infamous red-light district which attracts millions of curious tourists every year; or enjoy the street performers on friendly Rembrandtplein. Overnight Westcord Fashion Hotel 4*, Amsterdam.
Day 2 Amsterdam to Gouda
Today's route takes you through the Green Heart of Holland, a true cycling paradise, with characteristic peat and polder landscapes, small farming communities and picturesque historical towns such as Oudewater. It was to this place that women who had been accused of witchcraft fled from all over Europe to try to have their innocence proven by weighing. Finish your ride in medieval Gouda, discover this beautifully preserved town centre, visit the Gothic town hall and St. John's church. Stop off at a bakery to buy fresh syrup waffles (Gouda is the hometown of the famous stroopwafels) and pick up some Gouda cheese. Overnight Best Western Plus City 4*, Gouda.
Day 3 Gouda to Papendrecht
From Gouda you'll continue through the Green Heart of Holland to the village of Kinderdijk. Explore the site on which 19 windmills have stood majestically since 1740 and used to drain excess water out of the low-lying polder up into the River Lek. You can even pay one of the mills a visit. Your destination, Papendrecht, is just a ferry crossing away from of one of Holland's oldest towns; Dordrecht, which is completely surrounded by rivers. Beautiful bridges take you across the water into the heart of town with its many monumental buildings around the harbour Overnight Leonardo Hotel 4*, Papendrecht.
Day 4 Papendrecht to Bergen op Zoom
Follow today's route past one of the few remaining freshwater tidal areas in Europe: the Biesbosch National Park. Crossing a one-kilometre-long bridge high above Holland's Diep river, you arrive in the south of the Netherlands. Continue through village after village, with Brabant hospitality enticing you in to stop for a cup of coffee and a big slice of fruit tart. Bergen op Zoom, today's destination, is 800 years old and the town's narrow streets, old squares and hundreds of monuments testify to a rich and dramatic past. Be sure to feast your eyes on Markiezenhof, a late-gothic mansion built by the local noble family in 1485, that now serves as a museum and archive, before you settle down at one of the many pavement cafes. Please note you will only be able to cycle through the Biesbosch park on days when the ferry is running, which is not daily. An alternative route will be provided for days when there is no ferry service. Overnight Grand Hotel De Draak 4*, Bergen op Zoom.
Day 5 Bergen op Zoom to Antwerp
The landscape along today's cycling route is predominantly wooded. On the border between the Netherlands and Belgium, catch your breath in De Zoom - Kalmthoutse Heide, a lovely cross-border nature reserve. The route takes you along the Scheldekaaien (quays on the River Scheldt) right into the historical heart of Antwerp, Belgium's most important port city and the largest town in Flanders. After seeing the historical centre you might like to venture to the hip and trendy parts of the city: 't Zuid and Het Eilandje. If you've worked up a thirst on your journey, consider a visit to the De Koninck beer brewery. It has been going strong since 1833 and has a new visitors centre welcoming guests wishing to look around and do some tasting. This brewery is best known for its 'bollekes', a type of rounded beer glass. Overnight Park Inn Hotel by Radisson 3*, Antwerp.
Day 6 Antwerp to Leuven
After a short stretch on the banks of the River Scheldt, change course to follow the River Rupel, the shortest river in the country (nearly 10km long). Along the way you'll see abandoned brick works and chimneys as silent witnesses of a tough industrial past. A good place to stop for lunch is the old town of Mechelen, within sight of the church tower of 13th century St. Rombold's cathedral or the Grand Place with its fabulous architecture. Continue along the River Dijle to end your day in the delightful university town of Leuven, where the oldest houses date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Also visit the early-Gothic church of St. John the Baptist (1304) and the Old Market Square (Oude Markt), nicknamed 'the longest bar counter in the world' due to the enormous number of bars and cafes on the square. Overnight Park Inn Hotel by Radisson 3*, Leuven.
Day 7 Leuven to Brussels
The hills of Belgian Brabant and the expansive Sonian Forest set the scene for today's cycle. There are also train options if you don't feel like cycling into the big city of Brussels. The city's main attraction is the fantastic Grand Place and the nearby little statue of Manneken Pis still draws the crowds although there's plenty more to see. Your visit to Brussels should involve culinary treats such as delicious hot waffles, chocolate, triple-fried frites and beer. You should also enjoy the shopping and culture; you'll be hard-pushed not to want to stay longer. Overnight Courtyard by Marriott 4*, Brussels.
Day 8 Depart Brussels
Depart from Brussels after a hearty breakfast.
